Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

We had so many excellent publications to choose from this year. What did we miss? What are some of your favorite publications that have not been discussed?

Hands down, I loved Once Upon a Camel by Kathi Appelt!

Being Clem by Lisa Cline-Ransome was one that really impressed me.

I agree about Being Clem. Anything Lisa Cline- Ransome creates is wonderful. Her writing reminds me of Kate DiCamillo. Warm and engaging. Her work is like reading a story by a friend. I enjoy her so much.

Kristen wrote: "We had so many excellent publications to choose from this year. What did we miss? What are some of your favorite publications that have not been discussed?"

I don't remember a discussion or book pick for The Genius Under the Table by Eugene Yelchin. Yelchin is a former Newbery winner for Breaking Stalin's Nose. Author memoirs have been extremely popular this year. Not only is The Genius Under the Table an incredible read, Yelchin has provided, really good, quirky illustrations. His art for this title was chosen for display at The Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibit in NYC this fall. I would love this book to win an honor. I am counting on The Beatryce Prophecy for the gold.

I also have The Genius Under the Table in my top picks for the year, one of the most engaging memoirs I've read in the last few years.

I'm currently reading The Genius Under the Table, and it's great. However, I can't see kids reading it without a lot of hand selling.

Becky wrote: "Hands down, I loved Once Upon a Camel by Kathi Appelt!" And I agree. This book had everything. I just loved it and the way it made me feel when I finished it. I think I reread the ending three or four times.

I just finished Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen. His childhood was amazingly difficult, yet so well told. The way he describes how libraries, books, and a librarian changed his lfe, understanding him, and matching the right books to his needs just melted my heart. I do feel this is the book that should receive not just a Newbery Honor but the Newbery Award posthumously for Gary Paulsen.

I recognize that a body of work is not what is considered. I think the book alone is a very distinguished memoir. I felt transported to his childhood.

Gone to the Woods is a strong contender. I hope the committee gives out many honor awards again this year. So many worthy books.

Despite being marketed as a middle grade book, I don't think that Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood is one. I listened to and enjoyed it, but I don't think it is appropriate for the Newbery Award. A special posthumous award is a great idea.

My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Gone to the Woods in my opinion fits that upper range some 12 year-olds and 13-14. This award goes up to 8th grade readers. The material in here and inferences fit that age range. If picture books win for the younger range- I’d love to see some titles for this upper age range.